Malliotakis, Sarsour: Disgraceful Anti-Muslim Act Has No Place In Community

Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis and AAANY Executive Director Linda Sarsour released the following statement in response to the heinous, anti-Muslim act perpetrated at John D’Amato Field on Staten Island on Sunday:

August 20, 2012

“The vile act of hatred directed toward our Muslim brothers and sisters at the conclusion of Ramadan is truly disheartening to all of us who believe in the right to religious freedom that our country was founded on. It is our duty as New Yorkers to make our community a place of acceptance and peace where we celebrate diversity and learn from one another. The act committed at John D’Amato Field on Sunday must serve as a wake-up call for all of us to remain vigilant in our efforts to protect our neighbors’ rights. Despicable acts like these cannot and will not be tolerated in our community,” said Assemblywoman Malliotakis

"Though we have seen a rise in anti-Muslim incidents across the country in recent weeks which include bigoted comments from some elected officials, we salute Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis for her strong stance against prejudice toward New York Muslims. Her leadership demonstrates that, no matter what side of the aisle one is on, all elected officials can stand for America's first and most cherished right: freedom of religion," stated Linda Sarsour, Executive Director, Arab American Association of New York.”

Police are investigating an incident in which pieces of raw bacon were spread across John D’Amato field on Staten Island prior to a ceremony attended by roughly 1,500 Muslims marking the conclusion of Ramadan on Sunday.